Cammell Laird warship HMS Campbeltown makes final journey after being decommissioned after 22 years

THE White Ensign flag of Cammell Laird built warship HMS Campbeltown, was lowered for the last time after 22 years of service.

Crowds of well-wishers had flocked to the Mersey’s cruise liner terminal to get a last glimpse of the Royal Naval ship last month.

Yesterday, a ceremony was held in Plymouth, on the jetty at HM Naval Base Devonport, as the ship made her final entry into the port.The event was attended by the crew, their families and guests with civic, ceremonial, military and commercial links with the ship. The Type 22 frigate. built in Wirral, was decommissioned under the MoD’s Strategic Defence and Security Review in October last year. The ship’s captain, Commander Keri Harris, paid tribute to his crew and toasted them and the Queen in the traditional Royal Naval manner with a tot of rum on the ship’s flight deck.

He said: "This is a very sad day but also one of celebration for the life of HMS Campbeltown.

"I can’t deny this day is tinged with sadness. But the decommissioning of the ship is part of the Government’s necessary cost-saving measures as it is under stringent financial restraints."

He added that he was very proud of his crew.

He added: "They have done the Royal Navy, me and this country proud in recent months. They have impressed all those we have come into contact with on our visits to our affiliate organisations and places including Merseyside, and left a lasting impression of professionalism on all."